WISCONSIN CAMPAIGN A REPORT FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN FOUNDATION WINTER 2005 insights
Laying the foundation Nicholas gift benefits Human Ecology project
Good business Alumni endow chair, name spaces, set speaker series A belief in PEOPLE SBC Foundation backs successful diversity program Overview Message from the chancellor
Each year, around the beginning of the The face of campus itself is changing, fall semester, I present a “State of the with state-of-the-art new facilities replacing University” message to our faculty and unsalvageable buildings and our cherished staff. It lays out what I see as our classics, like Camp Randall Stadium, getting strengths, our successes and our chal- facelifts. Many of the changes you hear lenges for the future. I want to share this about or see are made possible through your perspective with you, as investors—mon- generosity. etarily and emotionally—in the success As part of these changes, we also are of our university. engaged in a yearlong master planning The message this year is upbeat: process in an effort to guide campus renewal Discounting the problems of a tight state John Wiley well into the next decade. This allows us to budget, this may be the most promising, use our imaginations to envision a campus most exciting, most energizing time to be a Badger. that is more workable, more livable and more sustain- We continue to be proud of the University’s cutting- able—and one that will carry our teaching, research edge role among U.S. research universities. Nationally, and service mission into the future. the University of Wisconsin-Madison currently ranks The UW-Madison is a recognized leader in teaching, second among public universities and third among all research and outreach excellence. You can be proud universities for research expenditures. of your university and the role you are playing in Wisconsin Governor James Doyle recently announced its success. a very exciting plan for the future of the biosciences in There is one cloud over this bright picture. It is the the state. A major component of the plan is the dangerous trend of cutting higher education to subsi- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery to be built right here dize depleted state funds. State after state, legislature on campus. The institute will become a comprehensive after legislature is choosing to balance its budget by interdisciplinary research center that combines biology, reducing support for public higher education and bioinformatics, computer science, engineering, nano- offsetting it with tuition increases. technology and other fields in one setting. I have had the opportunity to speak with many of The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation—the you personally about this issue over the past months, nation's oldest patent-management organization for a and I appreciate your willingness to look for ways to university—continues to see increases in the number of address it. faculty disclosing potentially valuable inventions from We must keep tuition affordable for students and the laboratory. their families. We must continue to support research. Our faculty is dynamic and creative. UW-Madison According to the Wisconsin Technology Council’s latest researchers are cited in the mainstream, academic and report (October 2004), academic research and develop- technical media on a daily basis. To note just one recent ment by all Wisconsin colleges and universities is example, the Wisconsin Advertising Project, under the responsible for more than 31,000 jobs in the state. We direction of Professor Ken Goldstein, was a major source must remember that after World War II public senti- for the national media during the 2004 elections with its ment focused on the importance of higher education research on political advertising. and that this focus powered the U.S. economy for the Among our student body, we continue to exceed the second half of the century. national average in graduation rates and in reducing the The University’s capital campaign is called “Create time required to receive a degree. In fact, contrary to the the Future” because this is what our students, staff national trend, where the median time to degree is four and faculty are working to do in their various areas of years, or five years for the five-year program, we are activity, and it is what you, our alumni and friends, are seeing an increase in the number of students graduating investing in with your gifts and counsel. in fewer than four years. I believe it also is a promise we make to generations We are making steady progress toward the goals of yet to come, around the world, as we apply our knowl- Plan 2008 to create a more diverse and welcoming edge and resources to creating a healthy, cooperative campus community. and respectful future for all.
2 University of Wisconsin Foundation Overview
“The capital campaign is called Create the Future because this is what our students, staff and faculty are working to do in their various areas of activity and it is what you, our alumni and friends, are investing in with your gifts and counsel. “I believe it also is a promise we make to generations yet to come, around the world, as we apply our knowledge and resources to creating a healthy, cooperative and respectful future for all.” -JOHN WILEY JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 3 Content/Winter 2005
Volume 3, Number 1
Overview 2 Message from the chancellor Campaign Update 5 The privilege of your company
6 18 26 33
Campaign Gifts 6 Nicholas gift boosts Human Ecology project 9 Humble beginnings lead to an extraordinary gift 11 Gratitude inspires Ellig to endow chair in human resources Editorial Director Lynne Johnson 12 Marriage, gift both show power of teamwork Managing Editor 14 Gift is a family legacy Chris DuPré Contributing Writers 15 Her memory lives on despite cruel twist of fate Merry Anderson Tracey Rockhill 16 Making an imprint, bettering lives Sue Zyhowski 18 Fletcher steps up with gift to Camp Randall Publication Coordinator Laura Van Toll 20 Support, encouragement and a soupcon of Woody Allen Design and Layout Paul Fuchs Design 22 To live is to grow; to grow is to live 24 Treasured job leads to library gift insights is published quarterly by the University of 26 Talking turf with Terry Kurth Wisconsin Foundation for donors and friends of the University 28 SBC Foundation believes in PEOPLE of Wisconsin-Madison. Address comments or 30 In appreciation of Truman Lowe’s art questions to: 32 Developer turns bleak memory into bright vision Chris DuPré UW Foundation 33 A little wacky and a whole lot wonderful 1848 University Avenue P.O. Box 8860 35 Desert to bloom with Wisconsin Weekend Away Madison, WI 53708-8860 Phone: 608-263-0863 E-mail: Front Cover [email protected] The School of Human Ecology is in the midst of a campaign to add Web: www.uwfoundation.wisc.edu on to and refurbish its historic building, seen here.
4 University of Wisconsin Foundation Campaign Update
The privilege of your company
We have, in past messages, talked opportunity to get. The closer we about the power of philanthropy as came to our goals in life and the well as the possibilities that philan- more we achieved, the more we thropy offers. At this $1.3 billion came to appreciate the privilege of point in our $1.5 billion Create the the journey. Future: The Wisconsin Campaign, it Many of you will recall exactly seems timely to talk about another when the notion of education as a piece of the philanthropic big picture: privilege struck you because it was the privilege of philanthropy. the same time you started working When all of us were invited to help to convince your children (or “create the future” by investing in the grandchildren, nieces, nephews University of Wisconsin-Madison, we and assorted relatives) that this is SUTTER PHOTOGRAPHERS knew the goal was lofty. We have Paul Collins and Wade Fetzer indeed true. come far and accomplished much in So it is with the campaign. The just a few years. We already can see the results of our notion that a campaign is a privilege began to take efforts today and we can visualize their impact on the shape when we started to see the tremendous return UW of tomorrow. What started off as work has on our investment in the people, programs and facilities become the satisfaction and the privilege of making we are helping to support. something positive happen. It is truly our privilege to be part of this campaign Here’s another way to look at it. When many of and to be associated with all of you as we head down us were students, there were days when we thought the home stretch. It is a privilege to be part of shaping of class, lecture or lab as something we had to go to the future of this great University. in order to reach some objective. There were papers The invitation to help create the future remains open and assignments we had to do. Whether it was to everyone who believes in the power and possibility required for graduation, our parents expected it or of philanthropy. We hope you, too, will recognize the we expected it of ourselves, we usually did the work. opportunity and will join us in this important and As we moved through school, into careers and fami- meaningful effort. lies, we began to realize that education was not some- thing we had to get, it was something we had the
We already can see the results of our efforts today and we can visualize their impact on the UW of tomorrow. What started off as work has become the satisfaction and the privilege of making something positive happen.
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 5 Campaign Gifts
Nicholas gift boosts Human Ecology project
Improving people’s lives was one of the main reasons Nancy Johnson Nicholas and her husband, Albert “Ab” Nicholas, made an $8 million lead gift for a new addition and remod- eling of the School of Human Ecology’s historic build- ing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “I believe in the school’s mission of enhancing the quality of life for people in all economic situations,” said Nancy Johnson Nicholas, a 1955 graduate of the school. “I’m impressed with their curriculum. “The education that students receive is top notch, but the facilities make it very difficult for everyone involved,” she said. “Helping to create a new learning environment under one roof that will benefit the students, the faculty, the staff and the collections is exciting.” The estimated cost of the project is $40 million in 2007 dollars, of which $17.5 million will come from private gifts for the new addition. Program BOB RASHID revenue, including parking, is expected to cover Nancy Johnson Nicholas & Albert “Ab” Nicholas $2.5 million, with $20 milion requested from state-supported borrowing. “We thank Nancy and Ab for their vision and generosity in providing this gift, which will have a transforming impact on the school’s programs,” said UW-Madison Chancellor John D. Wiley.
6 University of Wisconsin Foundation Campaign Gifts
“We believe this is the largest single private gift “As just one example, Human Ecology’s Southern ever made to a human ecology program,” said Child Welfare Training Partnership is moving offsite to School of Human Ecology Dean Robin A. Douthitt. accommodate its need for more space,” she said. The “I’m pleased that this lead gift comes from a partnership provides scores of workshops annually to Human Ecology alumna whose life and family child welfare professionals in 20 Wisconsin counties. exemplify the importance of career, family and “Our new facilities will reflect a visionary dream of community,” Douthitt said. “The Nicholas-Johnson future excellence through design of a physical environ- family names evoke the same high values and integrity ment worthy of our programs,” Douthitt said. embodied in our school’s mission, its proud history Building renderings and project cost estimates and exciting future.” were derived from a master plan created in partnership Constructed in 1913, the Human Ecology Building with Taliesin Architects in 2001. has been the school’s home base since 1914. Facilities The School of Human Ecology, consistently also include the Human Development and Family ranked in the top ten among peer institutions, offers Studies Building, built in 1941, and the Preschool undergraduate programs in retailing, interior design, Building, completed in 1955. “Our current facilities personal finance, consumer affairs in business, human do not begin to meet the demands of our growing development and family studies, textile and apparel programs,” Douthitt said. design, community leadership, family and consumer The improved facilities will for the first time education, and family and consumer journalism. It accommodate all functions of the school within a single enrolls 1,000 undergraduate students and 100 building and will meet the requirements for research, graduate students. creative endeavors and education space, outreach and Creative endeavors are another significant much needed technology upgrades. The enlarged and component of the work of the school. The Design modernized building also will offer an inviting area Gallery provides essential exhibition space for stu- for public events and interdisciplinary research space. dents, faculty and other artists. The Helen Louise Human Ecology faculty members serve as principal Allen Textile Collection, one of the largest ethnographic investigators on grants totaling $7.8 million and as co- collections in the world, is used by students, scholars, principal investigators on grants totaling $48 million. designers and the community. “When a faculty member receives a grant and hires The school also houses the Center for Excellence in staff for a new research project, we have no space in Family Studies, which involves scholars from many our building to house them,” Douthitt said. UW-Madison departments in research on family issues (continued on page 8)
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 7 Campaign Gifts
Nicholas gift continued from page 7 worldwide. The Family Impact Seminars, sponsored Nancy Johnson Nicholas and Ab Nicholas, who by the Center, provide nonpartisan information to law- received his UW bachelor’s degree in business in 1952 makers and other policy makers on the impact of and an MBA in 1955, have given generously to many policy decisions on family issues. programs on campus, including the School of Business Human Ecology’s Preschool Laboratory provides and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. The child care to about 120 children and serves as a Nicholas-Johnson Pavilion for basketball bears their research facility for faculty and graduate students family names. around campus.
FAMILY FOUNDATION HELPS CHANNEL PHILANTHROPY
When word gets out that a family is generous, the “We’re pretty open to any ideas, but it seems our phone can ring nonstop. The Nicholas family has seized interest always goes back to teaching, children, health on one way to regain some control over the influx of issues,” Lynn said. “Any time you can help children charitable requests: The family foundation. early on in their lives, the better equipped they are to The five board members of the Nicholas Family go on and have success.” Foundation are parents Albert “Ab” and Nancy Johnson As can be expected, the Nicholas children grew Nicholas and their children: Lynn Nicholas (’78 BBA up with an attachment to the University. “We were Bus), Susan Nicholas Fasciano (’80 BS Edu) and David never told we had to go there, but we did make it up O. Nicholas (’83 BBA Bus). to campus pretty often over a number of years, starting “My parents have always been very generous, as little kids,” Lynn said. “The atmosphere was always especially when it comes to children and education,” fun and exciting, and that does shape your impressions said Lynn Nicholas, president of the Nicholas Family about campus. Even though I could have gone any- Foundation. “As my father became more affluent, we where for college, I’m glad I went to UW-Madison.” set up the family foundation so they could continue to Listening to Ab, it’s clear he and Nancy are proud be generous but also have a place to funnel requests, not only that their children graduated from their and so he could get some work done, too.” alma mater but also that they’ve picked up the The family foundation does more than just direct philanthropic spirit. phone calls. “I know they watched us do what we’re doing as “We thought that when we’re gone, it would a far as giving goes,” he said. “You have to get a little wonderful thing for our three children to get together older to think about it and make the moves. The first and have a meeting once or twice a year and decide 20 years out of school are pretty much trying to get where they want the money to go,” Nancy said. “It’s established and keep your family together and provide something that will go on for all the generations of our for your family and your security. Beyond that, you family. I hope that the grandchildren will at some point start to think about other things, like what’s good for continue on and keep the family working together.” the younger generation, trying to help them along Ab and Nancy demonstrated to their children what like you were helped when you were young.” it means to have an impact through giving. As for that younger generation, Lynn is happy “They did foster in us the idea that it’s good to give for the good she and her siblings are able to foster. back,” Lynn said. “When you grow up around that, “It’s pretty amazing to be in this kind of position, to it sets an example.” have the ability to change people’s lives for the better,” The Nicholas family has, of course, been a huge she said. “Philanthropy does have a profound impact supporter of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. on people, and they are unfailingly grateful.” But the family and the family foundation have other charitable priorities as well, particularly initiatives that help children and their development.
8 University of Wisconsin Foundation Campaign Gifts
Humble beginnings lead to an extraordinary gift
Dr. Herman Shapiro was a humble “Gwen and Herman wanted and softspoken man who touched the to advance the study of medicine lives of many. Born in Garadia, Russia and nursing at the University of in 1904, he came to the United States Wisconsin, particularly to grant in 1913. He sold newspapers on street scholarships to graduate students,” corners to earn enough money to said family friend John Walsh, a attend school. Dr. Shapiro received a senior account executive with bachelor’s degree from the University Smith Barney Harris. of Wisconsin-Madison in 1924 and The money will benefit future earned his medical degree from the doctors and nurses. The UW School UW in 1932. of Nursing has established an early SUBMITTED PHOTO entry PhD program, to encourage A distinguished cardiologist and Herman and Gwen Shapiro emeritus professor of medicine, Dr. nurses to decide early in their nursing Shapiro taught at UW-Madison for more careers to become nursing teachers. than 40 years. He had an abiding interest “Gwen and The UW Medical School has set up in students and mentored generations Herman wanted the Summer Research Award Program. of medical students. His career at the “Herman (‘Murph’) was very unpre- University left a lasting impression. to advance the tentious. He never called himself a Considered to be “quite a catch” by doctor, he called himself Herman,” John many of the nurses, it was Gwen Harris study of medicine said. “We would have lunch, talk about (’53 BS Nurs) of rural Cuba City, Wisconsin and nursing at stocks, a subject he loved. Murph was who captured his heart. Gwen was a nurse very interested in buying stocks in the at UW Hospital and Clinics for 40 years the University medical field. He wouldn’t do any trading or anything fancy; he would and had many friends in nursing. of Wisconsin, Coming from a poor background, Dr. just keep the stock for many years.” Shapiro never let success go to his head. particularly to Dr. Shapiro never missed a football The couple didn’t travel much and were game. He had good seats on the 50-yard uncomfortable in fancy hotels. He and grant scholarships line and attended every game for more Gwen didn’t enjoy going out to parties but to graduate than 30 years. The couple lived in a instead preferred staying home and spend- Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home on ing time with each other. The couple never students.” Lake Mendota. “They did so much for had children. Their lives were dedicated to so many other people. They were very the University, the School of Nursing and the generous people,” John said. “After retirement, UW Medical School. Herman would go to the hospital and read X-rays for When Dr. Shapiro died, he bequeathed a $3 million other hospitals just to help out.” marital trust to the UW Foundation, earmarked for the One of the most important times in his life was two schools. Upon Gwen’s death, she left $9 million of the time he spent in the military service. Dr. Shapiro the couple’s remaining assets to the Herman and Gwen served in the Pacific Theater during World War II as Shapiro Foundation, which was established in 1995. a charter member of the 44th Army General Hospital. Funding from the Shapiro Foundation will memorialize He commanded the Army Reserve Hospital Unit for the couple and benefit the UW-Madison schools of 16 years, retiring in 1964 with the rank of colonel. medicine and nursing in perpetuity. “He would talk about it all the time,” John said.
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 9 Campaign Gifts
10 University of Wisconsin Foundation Campaign Gifts
Gratitude inspires Ellig to endow chair in human resources
Bruce R. Ellig appreci- But early on it became clear ates the way that the that memorizing case law was University of Wisconsin- not for him. “From my Madison gave him the During his junior year, he tools to succeed. “decided to take a look at the undergraduate The retired corporate business program, or com- years through vice president in charge merce, as it was called at the of Worldwide Human time,” Ellig said. “I took a class the master’s Resources at Pfizer Inc. called Wage and Salary Admin-
has fully funded the SUBMITTED PHOTO istration with Professor Alton program in Bruce R. Ellig Distin- Bruce Ellig Johnson. I still remember the business, what guished Chair in Pay and course number—174. He was a Organizational Effectiveness charming Texan who in his soft-spoken way was most in the School of Business, in gratitude made the subject very appealing to me.” for knowledge that ranged beyond his Ellig saw that statistical, qualitative and valuable was eventual major. quantitative analysis was something for discovering Barry Gerhart, 46, a professor and which he had a knack, and he took to his researcher in the field of human business curriculum with relish. He’s grateful how to ask the resources, has been named to the Ellig that he had the chance to explore different Distinguished Chair. School of Business options before settling on his career path. right questions. Dean Michael Knetter said the chair will “I enjoyed studying history, literature, If you can do help recruit faculty and students. economics, you name it.” Ellig said that “the strength of an edu- His wide-ranging interests paid off in that, you can cation at UW-Madison is not so much major academic honors. “I graduated both always get the what you learn, but that you learn how Beta Gamma Sigma, in business, and Phi Beta to learn. From my undergraduate years Kappa,” he said. “Wisconsin is unique in answers you through the master’s program in busi- allowing you to take enough courses in a ness, what was most valuable was dis- variety of subject areas to earn both keys.” need to move covering how to ask the right questions. Among his many accomplishments, Ellig forward.” If you can do that, you can always get has written the industry reference “The the answers you need to move forward.” Complete Guide to Executive Compensation.” Ellig, a native of Manitowoc, didn’t For students interested in a human resources JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS start his undergraduate career in the ‘50s career, he suggests rotating through different on a business track. Like many students, parts of a business to see how they fit he spent his first two years on campus together. in the College of Letters and Science. “I would advise starting in sales, where “I was intent on going on to Law you can learn the company, its products, its School,” he said. “For one, my father market and competitors,” he said. “Then you thought that was a great idea. I was can maybe get into marketing, perhaps into hoping to get a job with the FBI, and manufacturing, so you can understand how I thought being a lawyer would help products are produced and positioned. You’ll there. I was a big fan of ‘Perry Mason,’” have a good understanding of the business he added with a laugh. and the abilities people need to make the organization successful.”
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 11 Campaign Gifts
Marriage, gift both show power of teamwork
Jean and Phil Myers of Middleton, Wisconsin have been married for more than 61 years, long enough that they finish one another’s sentences with ease. Their accomplishments at the University of Wisconsin- Madison are numerous, and yet they continue to seek new ways to help the UW and its graduate students. Professor Emeritus Phil Myers (’45 MS, ’47 PhD Eng) came to UW-Madison in 1942, when he accepted a
teaching position in mechanical engineering in the BOB RASHID College of Engineering. World War II was raging and Jean and Phil Myers teachers were scarce, so Phil, who had undergraduate degrees in math and mechanical engineering from other support funds in the Department of Mechanical McPherson College and Kansas State University respec- Engineering. tively, studied for his master’s and doctoral degrees at The Myers later created the Jean Alford Myers night, while he taught undergraduate students during Award in the School of Human Ecology to provide the day. “I had to keep ahead of my students,” Phil said resources for the dean to send graduate students to with a smile. professional conferences, help cope with family emer- In 1943, Jean completed a bachelor’s degree in home gencies or offer special recognition. This year, the cou- economics at Kansas State and married Phil. After their ple made a gift to fund the renovation projects at the move to Wisconsin, Jean earned a master’s degree in School of Human Ecology. home economics in 1947 from UW-Madison. The world changed a great deal during Phil’s career, For 43 years, Phil held an unusual joint appointment, and the couple traveled often, as he lectured abroad or sharing graduate students with fellow faculty member participated in UW delegations to China, India and Otto Uyehara, while conducting research in thermody- other destinations. Since Phil’s retirement in 1986, they namics, heat transfer and fluid flow phenomena. Their have spent considerable time traveling to visit their work led to the creation of the internationally known extended family of graduate students around the globe. Engine Research Center in the College of Engineering. At one time, the Myers’ holiday card list included more Jean, along with Otto’s wife, Chisako, nurtured and than 500 addresses. encouraged the more than 125 graduate students their Both Phil and Jean credit their families of origin for husbands shared over the course of their careers. They making higher education a priority. All of their siblings introduced foreign students and their families to their attended college, and all five of the Myers’ children are new culture and U.S. traditions by hosting many holi- UW graduates. day dinners and summer picnics. “Education is a great investment,” Phil said, “one “The graduate students were not too much younger we owe to people who have invested in us,” Jean said, than we were,” Jean said. “They had the same family finishing Phil’s sentence. “You have your own interests issues, same lack of income and same problems with and abilities and you can choose how to help. You can their young children.” give a scholarship or help students attend conferences. A $1 million gift from the couple established the Phil You get a lot of satisfaction from helping students and Jean Myers Professorship, now held by Professor improve themselves. Your action helps them determine David Foster, as well as two graduate fellowships and the future,” Phil said.
12 University of Wisconsin Foundation Campaign Gifts JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 13 Campaign Gifts
Gift is a family legacy
Bonnie Ludden Spiegelberg’s (’60 Clark sent him to the University of BS SoHE) family has a long tradition Chicago for an MBA. of attending the University of Harry and Bonnie have pledged Wisconsin-Madison. Her grandmoth- an estate gift to the Department of er, father and mother all received Chemical and Biological Engineering UW degrees. Her two uncles also of $1.5 million to establish the Harry earned their medical degrees here. L. Spiegelberg Professorship in Her husband’s experience was Chemical and Biological Engineering. quite the opposite. Harry L. Spiegel- “This is our children’s gift as berg (’59 BS Eng) grew up on a dairy much as it is ours,” Harry said. farm outside Appleton, Wisconsin. “When we told them we were making He was the first and only one of all this gift, they were very supportive. his siblings and first cousins to go to SUBMITTED PHOTO Our youngest son said, ‘It’s a legacy Bonnie and Harry Spiegelberg college. “I broke some ground,” he for our whole family.’ We felt said, “but am pleased to note that in the next genera- very pleased to hear that.” The couple have two tion, almost all did go on to college and graduate.” daughters and two sons, all college graduates, When he was a high school junior, Harry decided to two from UW-Madison. Some of them also married study chemical engineering. “I had always liked sci- UW graduates. ence, especially chemistry,” he said. “I planned to be a Harry is a member of the department’s visiting chemist, and then I noticed that chemical engineers committee, an advisory committee of industry and made more than chemists and I thought, ‘I think I’ll be academic people that evaluates and advises the faculty a chemical engineer.’” on how they are doing. “A reason for directing our gift Harry is proud of his education and the faculty that to support professorships is because of my continuing taught him. “My class had the benefit of having two association with outstanding faculty and staff in the icons in the industry/academic world as professors, department. The faculty is receptive to our thoughts Olaf Haugen and Roland Ragatz,” he said. “I also had and recommendations on undergraduates, graduate ‘icons-to-be,’ professors R. Byron Bird, Warren T. students and young faculty, among other subjects. It is Stewart and Edwin N. Lightfoot.” In fact, the three stimulating to review all the graduate students’ work were in the process of writing the book that became and trying to understand it! This committee keeps me the “bible” of chemical engineering when Harry was abreast of what’s new,” he said. in school. “We got a chapter a week on mimeographed He and Bonnie also have endowed two scholarship paper. That was pretty exciting, but it was more excit- funds with the department, the Outstanding Student ing later when I realized what I had gone through,” Scholarship, offered annually to outstanding high Harry said. school seniors who plan to attend the UW and major in “Having exposure to those faculty members has been chemical engineering, and the International Studies a very important part for me and my relationship with Scholarship for students participating in the overseas the University.” summer laboratory programs. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical “The University has meant so much to Bonnie engineering from UW-Madison in 1959, he joined and me. We have season tickets for football and basket- Kimberly-Clark Corporation, where he held various ball,” he said. “We have a 13-year-old granddaughter technical and managerial positions prior to his appoint- who is ready to enroll at UW-Madison right now. ment as vice president in 1984. He retired in 1996. That’s the kind of school spirit we have running In 1961, he took a leave of absence from the company through our family. The University has positively to attend the Institute of Paper Chemistry in Appleton, influenced our lives in so many ways—we said, where he earned an MS and PhD. In 1978, Kimberly- ‘How can we help them?’”
14 University of Wisconsin Foundation Campaign Gifts
Her memory lives on despite cruel twist of fate
Irony. It was the subject of Birgit Baldwin’s PhD of the most distin- thesis-in-progress and a word that comes to mind right guished Scandinavian after “tragic” when Professor Susan Brantly, chair of Studies departments the University of Wisconsin-Madison Scandinavian in the United States. Studies Department, tells the story of her friend’s “Due to budget death. cuts, the department In the 1980s, Brantly and Baldwin were graduate had to lose a position students at Yale University. This was Mecca in the field in Danish. This gift of comparative literature at the time, and the two gifted boosted morale and
and ambitious scholars were learning from the masters. gave us cause to cele- SUBMITTED PHOTO Baldwin was bilingual in English and Danish and brate. More impor- Birgit Baldwin fluent in French and German. She also was following tant, through this Birgit Baldwin and Susan Brantly, in the academic footsteps of her parents. Her mother, position,” said Brantly, chair of the UW Department Jenny Jochens, is an eminent medieval Scandinavian “Birgit’s contributions of Scandinavian Studies, were history scholar; her father, John Baldwin, is a respected to Scandinavian studies friends and graduate students historian. will go on.” at Yale. This photo of Birgit was taken the Christmas before her Hours of intense work still left the two friends time Though small, death in a 1988 auto accident. for fun like snickering through a parody of an Ingmar Scandinavian Studies Her family established the Birgit Bergman film to the annoyance of slower-to-catch-on at the UW thrives in Baldwin Professorship in audience members. part due to the popu- Scandinavian Literature and Brantly, whose specialties are Germanic studies and larity of the Vikings, but Languages in her memory. Swedish, came to the UW in 1987 but stayed in touch also for teaching excel- with her friend back East. “I expected us to have a com- lence, which has earned the department awards mon bond for a long time,” she said. It was not to be. and recognition. In 1988, on her way into New York City to see a The UW was the first institution with an independ- Bergman play, Birgit was killed by a drunken driver. ent Scandinavian Studies department. Today, there are Brantly remembers her feelings of shock and loss. only two other independent Scandinavian Studies “She would have made a significant contribution to departments in the United States: the University of our field. Her death was not only a terrific personal California-Berkeley and the University of Washington loss, but a loss for all of us.” at Seattle. Recently, Baldwin’s brother Peter and his wife, Had fate been kinder, Birgit Baldwin certainly Lisbet, gave their mother a birthday gift of money to would have visited her friend Susan in Madison and, use, in Peter’s words, to “provide [Birgit] with a bit with her intellect and zest for life, made new friends of that immortality she was not allowed to create here. She might have lectured on the poets and novel- herself and which the rest of us do with children ists she loved. She might have introduced her students and/or books.” to the French writer Jean De La Bruyère, who wrote, Remembering their daughter’s dear friend at the “From time to time there appear on the face of the UW and inspired by the scholarly writing of UW earth (people) of rare and consummate excellence, Emeritus Professor Dick Ringler (’56 MA L&S), Jenny who dazzle us by their virtue, and whose outstanding Jochens and John Baldwin created an endowment that qualities shed a stupendous light.” will establish a professorship in Birgit’s memory. The Perhaps she would have discussed the meaning Birgit Baldwin Professorship in Scandinavian Literature of irony. and Languages also pays tribute to the oldest and one
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 15 Campaign Gifts
Making an imprint, bettering lives
Family means a lot to John J. Oros (’71 BBA Bus) and Anne Wackman Oros (’70 BA), who live in Ridgewood, New Jersey. They have given $1 million, which will create a legacy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business. Their gift names two areas of the Fluno Center: the John J. and Anne W. Oros Dining Room and the Kenneth B. Wackman Courtyard. The gift also establish- es the John J. Oros MBA Speaker Series in the school. “The gift for the MBA speaker series will help ensure that our MBA students have abundant opportunities to SUBMITTED PHOTO Anne and John Oros interact with successful business leaders from many different areas,” Business School Dean Michael Knetter said. “The gift for the courtyard and dining room at Foundation. He spent much of his accounting career the Fluno Center shows a sensitivity and response to with Alexander Grant and was vice chairman of Talcott the needs of the school that has marked this family’s National at the time of his death in 1974. relationship with the University.” “Anne’s dad was involved with the Wisconsin John J. Oros was named executive vice president Alumni Research Foundation and he was on the of the Enstar Group in 2000 and president and chief board of directors at the UW Foundation when Anne operating officer in 2001. Before joining that company, and I were in school,” John said. “So I had these good he was a general partner with Goldman, Sachs & Co. associations with campus and with the Foundation in New York City. He is on the UW Foundation Board thanks to him. of Directors, has served on the Wisconsin Alumni “Anne and I were married in 1973, and he died in Association (WAA) Board and has been a member 1974, a time when he was still incredibly active, in his of the School of Business Dean’s Advisory Board. mid-60s,” John said. “That was a time, I think, when Anne Wackman Oros, who graduated from the the UW Foundation was really coming into its own, School of Social Work, has worked for the past decade with some of the leading industrialists in the country with the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family who just happened to be UW alumni stepping forward Services, caring for 19 foster infants, often born with to help the University. some degree of drug exposure. She also works with “I was truly flattered when I was invited onto Children’s Aid and Family Services of northern New the UW Foundation Board,” he said. “When I was Jersey to support and mentor parents. nearing the end of my 20-year career with Goldman Kenneth B. Wackman, Anne’s late father, graduated Sachs, I told Sandy Wilcox and (Create the Future: The from UW-Madison in 1935 with a degree in accounting. Wisconsin Campaign co-chair) Paul Collins that when He served on the boards of directors for the WAA, UW we had the opportunity and the liquidity, we’d like to Foundation and the Wisconsin Alumni Research make a major gift.”
“The gift for the MBA speaker series will help ensure that our MBA students have abundant opportunities to interact with successful business leaders from many different areas,” Business School Dean Michael Knetter said.
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John and Anne have three grown children—John, Daniel and Alexandra. Anne has put her UW education to work helping foster infants, many of whom come from chemically dependent backgrounds. “I had volunteered in the schools and in the community, and I finally decided I was going to do something more hands on,” she said. The couple had two foster chil- dren in their care at the time of the interview. “We feel special about the gift these children have given us,” Anne said. “We hope we can get them off to a great start in life.” Speaking of her father, Anne said, “He was very proud of his Wisconsin roots and his ties to the University. He was friendly and outgoing, and he gave his support to the University very graciously and very humbly. “He would be thrilled to know there’s a space on campus named for him,” she said. Of the speaker series that will carry his name, John said he had discussions with Dean Knetter. “We agreed that it would be great if we could bring some of the world’s leading business executives to Madison to talk with Business
School majors and have them inter- JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS act and be a kind of mentor to the students,” John said. “The UW hasn’t had the money or the staff on hand to ask these people to campus. One thing I’ve found, if you ask the CEOs of America’s leading companies to come to speak at a great university like “The gift for the courtyard Wisconsin, they usually will do it. I was happy to give the seed capital to help get it started.” and dining room at the In addition to giving students access to real-world experi- Fluno Center shows a ences, the Oros MBA Speaker Series can “help get UW-Madison on the map for some of these firms. If the chairman of GE, Ford sensitivity and response Motor Co. or PepsiCo were to come to campus, you can be sure to the needs of the school the recruiters will pay attention to that, and it might open some doors. So not only do they get firsthand experience, but it also that has marked this family’s has the residual benefit of raising the school’s profile,” John said. relationship with the As for naming the spaces at the Fluno Center, John said University.” “having the names of our two families represented was immensely appealing to us. Ken (Wackman) was just an inspirational guy, so this made perfect sense.”
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Fletcher steps up with gift to Camp Randall
The University of Wisconsin-Madison changed Terrell Fletcher’s life. Now he’d like to return the favor. Fletcher, born in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, was a running back who received a full scholarship and parlayed his Badger success into an NFL career with the San Diego Chargers. He also paid attention to academics, earning a bachelor’s Terrell Fletcher degree in English. He has committed $100,000 to the Camp Randall Stadium renovation, which will name the Varsity Club-Sixth Level after him. “This is a great opportunity to give back to the school, a way for my family to leave a legacy at the University of Wisconsin and to acknowledge all the UW has done for us,” he said. “I really appreciate what the University did for me and my family. The scholarship I received helped us out when we really needed it, and I was able to take advantage of an excellent educa- tion in a great city.” Fletcher, who played for the Chargers from 1995–2002, said “as a professional athlete, you’re never retired as long as there’s someone who might want you, but that’s not my main focus now.” He’s the young adult pastor at Faith Chapel in San Diego, and he calls the experience “the most rewarding and fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.” The gift to Camp Randall might not be the only one Fletcher makes to the UW and its athletic program. “When I was in school, I never realized the way that athletic scholarships really work, that it’s not only the school providing the money but also individuals making gifts to the kids,” he said. “This gives us a good chance to tap into the student athletes personally. When you make that gift, you know it’s going to have a hands-on, positive effect on a young person’s life.” Fletcher credits Troy Vincent, a former star defensive back for the Badgers now with the Buffalo Bills and a member of the UW Foundation Board of Directors, for calling on those athletes who benefited from UW-Madison to make gifts of their own.
“Troy set a great example, one that I was glad to follow,” JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS Fletcher said. “We all can make a real difference every day with what we do. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to step forward in this way.”
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W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 19 Campaign Gifts
Support, encouragement and a soupcon of Woody Allen
With his glasses perched atop his longish, silvery In the photo above, Gary Fink, left, greets Hai Lee, center, hair, Gary Fink (’57 BA L&S) looks professorial. He lis- one of the Chancellor’s Scholars his gifts support, as assistant tens thoughtfully to a group of students with whom he Vice Chancellor Mercile Lee, right, makes the introduction. Gary and his wife, JoAnn, pictured to the far left, regularly invite and his wife, Jo Ann, are sharing dinner, life stories and their Scholars for an evening of dinner and lively conversation opinions on politics, campus diversity and other topical that can range from theater to politics to campus life. issues. Clearly, he likes the company of students and especially these four Chancellor’s Scholars. They are seen a live cow. These were followed by journalism the current, and third group, of Scholars the Finks have and philosophy. Finally, Fink found his passion in supported since 1993. Russian history and a mentor in the famed Professor A Chancellor’s Scholarship covers undergraduate Michael Petrovich. tuition and fees for talented minority students for up to Fink waited tables in a women’s dorm for meals, five years. These seniors will graduate in a few months played in a Dixieland band on weekends and loved thanks to their own hard work and the generosity of the UW so much, he stayed for five years. “I had a Gary and Jo Ann Fink. fabulous education,” he said. “It is nice to have the With the full attention of his audience, Fink tells his opportunity to give something back.” personal story of a kid from Manhattan, New York who, His love for the Midwest led Fink to Minneapolis, for reasons that still confound him, was accepted at the where he became a successful insurance executive UW-Madison. His narrative is sprinkled liberally with spending 41 years with The Prudential and earning the sure-laugh one-liners shamelessly lifted from Woody company’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He started Allen. The students love it, and though Jo Ann has his own health-care consulting company in 1980 and obviously heard this all before, she, too, enjoys the built it into the largest firm of its kind in the world. energy and ambition of these young people. Today, he is chairman emeritus of the Clark/Bardes As a UW freshman, Fink went through a series of Consulting-Healthcare Group, specialists in compensa- majors beginning with chemical engineering, which tion planning for executives and physicians. he was invited to reconsider after an explosion in his Gary and Jo Ann share a passion for art and even first lab. Animal husbandry was an intriguing but not opened their own small museum in downtown particularly logical choice for a city kid who had never Minneapolis, called Museum “Louvre It or Leave It.”
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As Jo Ann explained, “We buy work that makes our student he supports. “He comes to visit the scholars, hearts sing.” treats them to meals and takes time to meet with them Fink is a voluntary consultant to more than 20 non- individually and get to know them as people with profit organizations that address children’s welfare, dreams and goals.” conservation and environmental needs. The Finks also Woody Allen once said that 80 percent of success provide financial help to 50 children in Vietnam. is just showing up. Gary Fink seems to have a knack Assistant Vice Chancellor Mercile Lee, who heads the for showing up in the right places at the right times. 20-year-old Chancellor’s Scholars Program, calls Fink a This makes some fortunate Chancellor’s Scholars great friend to the UW, to the program and to each very happy. BOB RASHID
Happy 20th birthday, Chancellor’s Scholarship Program
If the expressions on these faces are an indication, it is an evening these four seniors will remember with ctober 16, 2004 was a day of reunion and celebration O happiness and gratitude. From left, Hai Lee, Gary Fink, as more than 300 Chancellor’s Scholars, mentors and Marcus Johnson, Christina Hoffman and Monica Lewis. generous friends gathered to mark the 20th anniversary of the Chancellor’s Scholarship Program. academically underrepresented ethnic minority The idea of a scholarship program for talented, students. These merit-based scholarships support underrepresented minority students was developed by students who may be of African, Hispanic, Native Associate Vice Chancellor Mercile Lee, who continues or Southeast Asian American descent. to direct the program. Since Chancellor Irving Shain The promising students selected for the program welcomed the first class of six scholars in 1984, more generally graduate in the top ten percent of their high than 500 students have become proud Chancellor’s school classes and have been leaders in their communi- Scholars. Three members of that original class, along ties. Once they become Chancellor’s Scholars, these UW with past and present Scholars, attended a daylong undergraduates can pursue any major and are paired series of workshops and an evening reception. The with a faculty mentor who shares their interests. theme of the celebration was “Celebrating, Connecting The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program is a success and Creating Change.” by any measure. Scholars graduate at a rate of more The Chancellor’s Scholarship Program is a than 80 percent, exceeding that of the overall campus direct response to the need for creative, well-educated population, and the majority of them pursue graduate minority men and women, prepared to move into and professional degrees. All UW-Madison students successful professional careers and serve as role models benefit from an educational experience enriched by a for all students. The program is supported entirely by diverse student body and graduate better prepared for private gifts and covers tuition and fees for selected today’s multicultural workplace.
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To live is to grow; to grow is to live
Sister Mary David, left, and another nun, right, share an unforgettable moment with their award’s namesake, Gina Kline. The occasion is the inaugural Leopold Restoration Awards Dinner and Recognition Ceremony held on October 10, 2002 at the Arboretum Visitor Center. The Sisters of St. Benedict (represented by Sister Mary David Walgenbach, prioress, and Neil Smith, execu- tive director of administration) won the Virginia M. Kline Award for Excellence in Community Based Restoration.
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In her lifetime, Virginia “Gina” Kline (’47 BS L&S, ’75 considered somewhat of a risk by her male-dominated MS L&S, ’76 PhD L&S) had many titles that together department. But, according to Howell she was an excel- describe a woman of extraordinary ability, intelligence, lent student, a good problem-solver and had a great courage and generosity. Her death in 2003 left an empty sense of humor. She won her professors over and place in the hearts of her children, her colleagues at the eventually taught the “Vegetation of Wisconsin” course University of Wisconsin-Madison and the UW for 12 years with her major professor, Grant Cottam Arboretum, her friends and fellow nature lovers— (’48 PhD L&S). they were all family. Kline’s estate gift to the Arbore- “She developed into an amazing teacher,” said tum to support student interns means that her love for Irwin. “She loved people—from little ones to college the earth’s bounty and beauty will have a chance to age—and sharing the wonders of nature.” Kline also take root and grow in the botanists, ecologists and taught teachers how to open children’s minds and naturalists of tomorrow. imaginations to growing things. For a portion of her adult life, Gina Kline was stu- “She was just superb at approaching people at each dent and employee, wife and mother, gardener and level and helping them grow,” said Howell. neighbor. These were not unusual titles for a woman in After completing her PhD in 1976, Kline received post-World War II America although as an undergradu- a joint appointment to the botany department and ate chemistry major, Kline made the fairly uncommon the UW Arboretum. She was Arboretum ecologist choice of following her interest in the sciences. After and research program manager until her retirement graduation, she went to work at the McArdle Labora- at age 70. tory for Cancer Research, where she met her husband, An internationally known restoration ecologist, Bernerd (’32 BS ALS, ’33 MS ALS), a biochemist. she was invited to give talks all over the world. They had four children and Kline devoted much of She also continued to teach “Reading the Land- her attention to her family and home in Madison, but scape” to new students and to people who returned to she did make time for her garden, which was constantly the class year after year. Howell remembers going on changing. Gardening, she once told her friend and scouting trips to prepare for each new session. “We had fellow graduate student, Harriet Irwin (’59 BS Edu, entirely too much fun poking around and botanizing.” ’64 MS L&S, ’73 MS), is a never-end- After retirement, Kline began ing process. She also was an early painting what her friends described and active member of the Wisconsin as richly colorful abstract works. Chapter of the Nature Conservancy. “She touched many lives and Her passion for gardening drew when one chapter of her life ended, her to the Arboretum and Kline another one started,” said Irwin. became involved in teaching the Throughout her life, Kline added popular “Reading the Landscape” to her titles: scientist, researcher, course. Evelyn Howell (’73 MS L&S, lecturer, consultant, artist, widow, ’75 PhD L&S), professor of land- grandmother and great-grand- scape architecture, College of mother. And always, friend. BOB RASHID Agricultural and Life Sciences, met Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, Kline when both were graduate stu- A walk through the Arboretum as fall “Nature is the symbol of the spirit.” dents. “Gina had no formal training paints its final colors before resting for Virginia Kline’s spirit lives on in the in botany but she knew tons. She the winter is an ideal time for Harriet misty dew on wildflowers in spring, Irwin, left, and Evelyn Howell, right, to went to graduate school to get the the sunny playfulness of a summer remember their friend and colleague, credentials and respect.” day, the golden glow of an autumn Virginia Kline. A gift from Kline’s estate Kline was a non-traditional, older will help student interns in their forest and the peaceful serenity of a female graduate student in one of research at the Arboretum. winter night. the sciences and as such, was JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 23 Campaign Gifts
Treasured job leads to library gift
The charm of Madison, Wisconsin captured the heart of David Henige, but it was his position as African Studies bibliographer at the Univer- sity of Wisconsin-Madison Memorial Library that allowed him to stay. While he doesn’t consider himself a “red sweater type” UW employee, he is here because
he wants to be. And he’s JEFF MILLER, UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS been here for 30 years. David began reading history at the age of 10. With my job. I do it because I like to.” In 1978, he earned a his interest piqued, it was only natural for him to take master’s degree in Library and Information Studies a broad span of history classes in college. He loved from UW-Madison. uncovering the secrets of the past and this love would David hopes the $10,000 gift that he and his wife, eventually lead him to a satisfying career. Jan Behn, who also is an employee at Memorial Library, He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in have given the libraries the extra margin of excellence history at the University of Toledo. He came to UW- they need. They have established the David Henige Madison at age 29 and earned a doctorate in African Endowment Fund to support collections and services of History. During his time at the UW, he worked at the General Library System. Memorial Library. In 1971, he traveled to Ghana on the “We definitely have a distinct teaching mission— West Coast of Africa to do his fieldwork. Two years people need to come to libraries to keep getting good later David was offered a job as a teacher in information,” David said. “Libraries are challenged Birmingham, United Kingdom. because of the amount of information that is out there After a year, he realized that he lacked the passion and the cost to acquire it.” to be a teacher and returned to the U.S. to a job he “The quality, richness and diversity of the Libraries really treasured—bibliographer at the Memorial would not exist, and will not continue, without the Library. “I love the autonomy and research required in continuing support,” said David.
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BOB RASHID David Henige and Jan Behn have devoted themselves to careers at Memorial Library. The David Henige Endowment Fund will support collections and services in the UW-Madison Libraries.
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Talking turf with Terry Kurth ”TURFGRASS IS THE RODNEY DANGERFIELD OF THE ENVIRONMENT. IT GETS NO RESPECT,” SAID TERRY KURTH (’75 BS CALS). “IT IS A SIMPLE ENVIRONMENTAL HERO.”
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“Turfgrass is the Rodney Dangerfield of the graduate degrees,” said CALS Dean Elton environment. It gets no respect,” said Terry Aberle. “This expectation clearly reflects Terry Kurth (’75 BS CALS). “It is a simple environ- Kurth’s commitment to basing turfgrass man- mental hero.” agement decisions and public policy develop- The state of Wisconsin has roughly 280,000 ment on the best scientific data available.” acres of turfgrass that Kurth has been involved across the spec- covers yards, parks, trum in the “Green Industry,” a general term roadsides, golf cours- that describes the production, installation and es, athletic fields and maintenance of flowers, sod, nursery, land- sod farms. Nearly 30 scape products, Christmas trees and those years after graduating items directly related to the production and from the University of maintenance of the products. Kurth’s back- Wisconsin-Madison, ground includes work as a superintendent at Terry remains dedicat- Peninsula State Park Golf Course in Door ed to quality science County, Wisconsin, a seminar instructor for and dissemination of the O.M. Scott and Sons Co. in Ohio, and own- research-based infor- ership with Kathy of the Barefoot Grass Lawn mation on turfgrass Service franchise in the Madison area. From
SUBMITTED PHOTO management. 1978-97, they worked to expand their Barefoot Terry and his wife, Grass Lawn Service franchises into northeast- Terry and Kather Kurth Kathy, who reside near ern Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky and Texas. and daughter Krista Cross Plains, Wisconsin, He sold the business to TruGreen/Chemlawn enjoy the Horticulture along with the in an attempt to retire at age 44. Kurth Garden Party at Allen Wisconsin Landscape returned to business a few years later with a Centennial Gardens last summer. Federation, have estab- Weed Man franchise in Madison, and he is lished the Terry and now director of development for U.S. opera- Kathleen Kurth Wisconsin Distinguished tions for Weed Man lawn care. Graduate Fellowship in Turfgrass Manage- “The density level of turf makes it a great ment at the University. Housed within the sponge and filter,” said Kurth. “It prevents College of Agricultural and Life Sciences erosion, breaks down pollutants into safer (CALS), the turfgrass program includes stud- compounds and is a safe surface for kids to ies in agronomy, entomology, horticulture, play on.” plant pathology and soil science. In Wisconsin alone, the Green Industry “The Kurth Fellowship is unique in the accounts for more than 43,000 jobs and an eco- expectation that recipients will actively com- nomic impact of more than $2.7 billion annual- municate their research results to the turfgrass ly, Kurth explained. As long as Terry Kurth is industry and to the broader public, in addition involved, odds are good that it will continue to to conducting excellent research toward their grow and thrive.
“The Kurth Fellowship is unique in the expectation that recipients will actively communicate their research results to the turfgrass industry and to the broader public, in addition to conducting excellent research toward their graduate degrees,” said CALS Dean Elton Aberle. WOLFGANG HOFFMANN
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 27 Campaign Gifts
SBC Foundation believes in PEOPLE ALL SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Students experiencing success through “Two-thirds support their aspirations to attend college the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Pre- and to pursue a career of their choice,” college Enrichment Opportunity Program of our students said Walter Lane, PEOPLE director and for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) have a come from low- assistant dean in the School of Education. huge foundation booster to thank. “Our students come into the program The SBC Foundation has been PEOPLE’s income families, as a cohort group of 100 students, and largest private supporter. In August 2004, and we make they study and stay together until they the foundation awarded the program a two- graduate from high school,” Lane said. year, $250,000 grant. That follows a $600,000 every effort “For those successfully entering the award made in 1999 as part of a larger, $1.5 University, a group of friends will serve million grant in support of the University’s to prepare and as a support network to promote a suc- Plan 2008 diversity effort. support their cessful college experience leading PEOPLE is an innovative partnership to graduation.” that encourages post-secondary education aspirations to SBC has been there from the start. for disadvantaged and minority students attend college “At SBC, we place a high priority in Wisconsin. on supporting efforts that enrich and “We support the University’s Plan 2008 and to pursue strengthen diverse communities,” said initiative, and we’re always interested in a career of SBC Wisconsin President Paul La getting more young people involved in Schiazza. “We are pleased to support the higher education who might not have a their choice.” UW-Madison PEOPLE Program, which chance otherwise,” said Dextra Hadnot, Walter Lane is essential in providing low-income and SBC Wisconsin Director of External Affairs. minority students with the opportunity “At SBC, we’re very supportive of diversity initiatives, to gain access to higher education and prepare them and PEOPLE offered a tangible way for us to make that for lifelong success.” support real.” PEOPLE emphasizes enrichment in math, science Some 80 graduates of the program were registered and writing, and it incorporates technology as an at the University in fall 2004 as first-year students, integral part of the curriculum. Students build study sophomores or juniors. skills and receive information on college preparation PEOPLE serves close to 800 high school and middle and testing, academic and career options, and other school students from public schools in Milwaukee, subjects to foster graduation from high school and Madison, Racine, Waukesha, the Ho-Chunk Nation and success in college. the Menominee Nation. Students from Madison enter Those who complete the pre-college portion of the the program while in middle school; students from program and are accepted for admission to UW- most other areas join during high school. Madison receive a tuition scholarship for up to five “Two-thirds of our students come from low-income years. Designed for African-American, American families, and we make every effort to prepare and Indian, Asian-American (with emphasis on Southeast
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Asian-American), Hispanic/Latino and disadvantaged students, the program was launched in 1999 as part of Plan 2008. Measured in 2003, 100 percent of those completing the program graduated from high school, and 96 percent enrolled in colleges or universities. “The program has a great mission,” Dextra said. “One of its strengths is how it works with the local communities and the school districts to identify children with potential, who are capable of being college material but who can often be overlooked by recruiters and admission offices. They see what the students are doing on a local basis and help them achieve their goals.” Beyond supporting the overarching goals of PEOPLE, Dextra has a personal interest as well. In addition to having a niece partici- pate in the program, his daughter Danielle Hadnot started with PEOPLE her sophomore year of high school. “She wanted to go to college, and PEOPLE helped her focus on the goal and stay on top of her academics,” he said. Danielle is now a sophomore at UW-Madison.
Students in the Pre-College Enrichment Opportunity Program for Learning Excellence (PEOPLE) build skills and relationships that help them succeed in college and life.
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 29 Campaign Gifts
In appreciation of Truman Lowe’s art
Sometimes you can make a big difference simply by being in the right place at the right time. It also helps if you have the right interest. Paul Owen is interested in Native American art. So when the University of Wisconsin Press announced plans to publish a book on the work of UW-Madison Professor of Sculpture Truman Lowe (’73 MFA Edu), Owen contacted the UW Press to buy it. He discovered this was not possible because there were no funds to publish the book. Paul, along with his brother John, principals in the Janesville-based company Chambers and Owen, decided to make a corporate gift to help turn author Jo Ortel’s seven- year effort, titled “Woodland Reflections: The Art of Truman Lowe,” into a real book. The Hooper Foundation of Madison provided additional funding. “He [Truman Lowe] is a tremendous resource hugely respected outside Wisconsin, but few here seem to know who he is,” said Owen. Lowe is similarly admiring of Owen. “I can’t believe he just showed up and made this gesture.” Paul (Owen), along “The very originality of Truman Lowe’s art made raising funds to publish this book a challenge,” said Sheila Leary, with his brother John, outreach director, UW Press. “He does not fit into anyone’s principals in the preconceptions. Most foundations that support art books focus on European art, antiquities or modern artists in New Janesville-based company York and California. And, the foundations that support Chambers and Owen, Native American cultural projects do not have Truman’s large, abstract sculptures in mind. The support we received decided to make a from two Wisconsin philanthropists was absolutely crucial corporate gift to help in making publication of this beautiful book possible.” turn author Jo Ortel’s Lowe, a native of Black River Falls, Wisconsin, is a member of the Thunderbird clan of the Ho-Chunk Nation. seven-year effort, titled He has been on the UW faculty since 1976 and is a recipient “Woodland Reflections: of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation Mid-Career Award and a National Endowment for the Arts Individual The Art of Truman Fellowship. His work has been on exhibit in the White Lowe,” into a real book. House Garden and at the Denver Art Museum, the Tucson Museum of Art and the Heard Museum in Phoenix. Most The Hooper Foundation recently he was on leave from the UW to serve as curator of Madison provided at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American additional funding. Indian. Jo Ortel, now an associate professor of art and art history at Beloit College, first met Truman Lowe when she was teaching a course in contemporary art at the UW.
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She regularly invited UW faculty to guest lecture to her class. “As he showed his slides, I was taken with his work and his eloquence,” she recalled. “We began a con- versation about a possible article, which then turned into a book project. I thought I could complete the book in a year. In the end it took me seven years.” Lowe himself offers one possible explanation for the length of the project. “Jo is very thorough in her research. We agreed she would have access to me and the work. It was not unusual for her to just show up. She asked the same questions over and over. I would say ‘you already asked me that’,” he said with a laugh. This relentless questioning resulted in what Lowe describes as an interesting depth. “[Her questions] really asked me to think back further,” Lowe explained. “Every work has a number of layers and you peel it like an onion.” Ortel remained intrigued with Lowe’s unique vision. “His background and his experiences are enfolded in quiet, tranquil works of art. In my opinion, his work has universal appeal. He speaks in a familiar modernist visual language in his art, but his work also has very specific meaning. It is frequently about the Wisconsin land- scape, his Ho-Chunk heritage or native (American) history.” Melanie Herzog, associate professor of art history at Madison’s Edgewood College, calls Truman Lowe’s work “notable for its visual elegance and narra- tive complexity. He is one of the foremost Native American artists working today.” Lowe, Ortel and Owen are all pleased with the final product from UW Press. “The Press made a very beautiful book,” said Ortel. “It was designed by an award-
winning book designer, Jane Tenenbaum.” JEFF MILLER UW-MADISON UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS “I was fascinated when I read it. It explains how he (Lowe) ties elements together and Truman Lowe, professor of art and a prominent wood speaks to stereotypes,” said Owen. sculptor, teaches undergraduate student Eric Monroe Ironically, Lowe and Ortel have yet to meet Paul how to safely use a table saw and offers other wood- working tips during a wood sculpture class. Jo Ortel’s Owen though all are excited at the prospect. If ever there book on Lowe’s art was published recently thanks to is a time for an art lover to eavesdrop on a conversation, gifts to UW Press. it will be when this artist, art historian and art patron come to finally meet. Be sure to take notes.
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Developer turns bleak memory into bright vision
Madison, Wisconsin real estate developer Terrence Wall (’87 BA L&S), ’89 MS Bus) was born with a narrowed aorta that forced him to undergo heart surgery at the age of 7 and endure a three-month hospi- talization at the University Hospital, the forerunner of the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. Wall, now president of T. Wall Properties, will never forget the feeling of isolation he had in the hospital. Today, he is working to ensure that future pediatric patients will have a better experience. “There were no other kids, no toys, no books or teacher or classroom to help me stay on track with my
schoolwork, no place for my family to visit,” he said. BOB RASHID “You were lucky if there was a chair in your room. From left, Helen, Maddie, Katie, in front, and Terrence Wall The staff was wonderful, but the physical environment support healthy improvements to the environment for ill children at the new American Family Children’s Hospital. was bleak.” Terrence and his wife, Helen, have made a gift to the new American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH) units and a special area for one-day tests and that will change that environment by furnishing play- treatments. Perhaps the most significant change in rooms and family support spaces within the hospital. design reflects an evolution in the philosophy of In addition, Terrence easily persuaded his family to care, integrating the sick child’s entire family into the join him in the project. Terrence’s father, John Wall, healing experience. Planners are increasing patient owner of DEMCO, a Madison-based library and school room sizes from 125 square feet to 300 square feet and supplier, the Wall siblings and the company’s CEO incorporating space for parents to sleep near their will donate design time, furnishings, supplies and child. The first phase of construction will contain 60 installation for the new family resource center, library beds; 24 additional pediatric rooms will accompany and schoolrooms. operating rooms to be built in phase two to serve “Our family has three primary gifting criteria: youth, even more young patients. education and Madison-based,” Terrence said. “This is The Family Resource Library, located on Main Street, a perfect fit.” will allow parents easy access to research their child’s Phase I of the AFCH project is expected to cost $78 illness via the Internet or print materials. The two million and is scheduled for completion in 2007. Of the classrooms within the Children’s Hospital School will estimated costs, $37 million will come from UWHC help young patients stay up-to-date with their school- bonding and the balance from private gifts. work with help from Madison Metropolitan School “I was thrilled with the hospital’s Main Street con- District teachers who are familiar with the unique cept,” Wall said. “It creates an interactive environment, demands of ill students. Wall repeated first grade as a much like we do at T. Wall Properties, where people can consequence of time spent in the hospital, and he hopes bump into each other and make connections. Can you other children can avoid this additional disruption. imagine kids playing on a bright stage, laughing, inter- “Kids might see that some other kid (I) was here, acting, taking their minds off why they are there? They got better, became successful and gave back to make will heal better.” this a better place,” Wall said. “It might give them The hospital will house pediatric intensive care hope that they can achieve their own dreams.” services, a childhood cancer unit, medical and surgical
32 University of Wisconsin Foundation Campaign Gifts
A little wacky and a whole lot wonderful
G ARY M ORGAN, JAN A SHE’ S FIANCÉE, ESTABLISHED AN ANNUAL AWARD
FOR RADIOLOGICAL TECHNICIAN STUDENTS WHO SHARE SOME OF THE
QUALITIES HE BELIEVES DESCRIBED J AN. HE WROTE, “JAN ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AND WARMED YOUR HEART. JAN TRULY CARED ABOUT PEOPLE. JAN ADORED CUTE DOGS AND LITTLE CHILDREN. BEING A FRIEND AND BEING WITH FRIENDS WAS MOST IMPORTANT IN J AN’ S LIFE.”
Gary Morgan (‘75 BS Edu, ’78 MS L&S) is eager to talk about the award he established to honor the memory of his fiancee, Jan Ashe. As he describes Jan’s love for her work as a radiology technician and the eccentricities that made her fun, interesting and unfor- gettable, it is hard not to notice his Pillsbury doughboy tie. It is, he explains, one of Jan’s flea market treas- ures. Combine her legendary frugality with her whimsical sense of humor
and this is what you get. SUBMITTED PHOTO
It seems that everyone who knew Jan Ashe and “friend” Jan Ashe carries a little piece of her with them. She touched many people smile out of a tearful child, calling to in her all-too-short life. figure out if a woman’s mammogram After graduating from the might be covered by the Cancer University of Wisconsin-Madison Prevention Project, or cajoling a radiology technician training program colleague to stick around and do a in 1970, Jan worked at Meriter Hospital C-T scan for a worried person with in Madison and in Sheboygan before a scary symptom.” putting down roots back in Madison Then there was her Beetle—a at Northeast Family Medical Center, a white 1972 Volkswagen named “Tiny UW Health clinic, where she stayed Speedie” with a Badger flag and fold- for nearly 25 years. out picnic table. Jan helped found the “She was the consummate profes- Capital City Volkswagen Club so other sional,” said Dr. William Schwab, chair Beetle boosters could get together and of the Department of Family Medicine, enjoy their hobby. UW Hospital and Clinics. “She was When Jan was diagnosed with proud to be a radiographer and well breast cancer in 1997, she tackled it versed in the science and art of her with her characteristic optimism. She craft. She also went far, far out of her drew on her own treatment experience way to make things right for people— to support others through the Reach patiently assisting an elderly person to for Recovery program and through her get in position for an X-ray, coaxing a daily contact with patients. (continued on page 34)
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 33 Campaign Gifts
A little wacky and a whole lot wonderful continued from page 33
Jan’s sister, Christie Strait remembers how she confide in. The award is one way to recognize these helped other cancer patients get wigs and encouraged qualities in young radiology professionals just starting them to fight. “She was so hopeful. She always partici- their careers. pated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.” The School of Radiologic Technology is a 24-month In October, 2003 cancer attacked Jan once again and program designed to offer both clinical and classroom this time it won. Jan Ashe passed away on February 10. education in the art and science of medical radiogra- Her memorial service was held on February 14, Valen- phy. It is one of two training programs offered through tine’s Day. It was sadly appropriate for someone who the Department of Radiology. had opened her heart to so many—people, animals and “The Jan Ashe Award creates an opportunity for small, sassy cars. people to see that the things we loved and respected The Jan Ashe Award will be presented by the about Jan are noticed and truly valued in a family clini- Department of Family Medicine to a student graduat- cal setting,” said Dr. Schwab. ing from the School of Radiologic Technology Program On the wall at the entrance to the Northeast Family who displays both technical skills along with an ability Medical Center radiology department is a poster dedi- to communicate with patients and a cooperative team cated to Jan. It is a photo of a butterfly, wings spread in spirit. Award recipients will be chosen for their caring, graceful flight, and the words: “Just when the caterpil- empathetic approach to people, and especially families. lar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.” According to her friends and co-workers, Jan was While Jan’s family, co-workers and friends miss her the kind of person who could always be counted smile and generous spirit, they also know the universe on to be there for others and who others were able to has welcomed a beautiful new butterfly. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.
34 University of Wisconsin Foundation W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 34 Wisconsin Weekend Away
Desert to bloom with Wisconsin Weekend Away DEL BROWN
Picturesque Tucson, Arizona will Baughman will present “Thank From left, Paula Panczenko, executive be the site for learned discussions You for Letting Us Into Your Home: director of Tandem Press; Russell on media history, art and the arts The Debate Over American Panczenko, adjunct professor and director of the Elvehjem Museum of press, and pharmaceutical issues Television, 1948–60” and “What Art; James L. Baughman, professor and March 18–20 when Wisconsin Happened to American Journalism, director of the School of Journalism and Weekend Away hits the Westward 1960–2004?” Mass Communication; and Jeanette Look Resort. Russell Panczenko will speak on Robert, dean of the School of Pharmacy, The annual event, which takes the Elvehjem, its mission and its will take their expertise on the road the University of Wisconsin- collections. Paula Panczenko will for Wisconsin Weekend Away on March 18–20 in Tucson, Arizona. Madison’s expertise on the road, detail Tandem Press, the fine-art features James L. Baughman, pro- printmaking studio affiliated with fessor and director of the School of the Art Department. The two also overlooking Tucson, is home to an Journalism and Mass Communi- will present “Unravel the Mysteries amazing variety of birds, plants cation; Paula Panczenko, executive of Artistic Creation” and “Behind and wildlife, and offers spectacular director of Tandem Press; Russell the Scenes with Professional Art views of the mountains, desert, Panczenko, adjunct professor and Collectors.” sunset and city lights. Guests will director of Elvehjem Museum of Roberts will give two lectures: enjoy optional tours of Sabino Art; and Jeanette Roberts, dean of “Why Do My Drugs Cost So Canyon, Kitt Peak National the School of Pharmacy. Chancel- Much??!!” and “Herbal Medicines: Observatory Visitor Center and lor John Wiley will provide his Help, Hype or Hoax?” Museum, and the Arizona-Sonora annual update on the University. Westward Look Resort, set on Desert Museum. 80 acres high in the foothills
W ISCONSIN C AMPAIGN insights 35 “In art the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson BOB RASHID
The University of Wisconsin Foundation is committed to students have the opportunity to study with such world- helping assure an environment where creativity, passion, renowned artists as Christopher Taylor, piano, and David reverence for the old and enthusiasm for the new can Perry, violin, professors in the School of Music. flourish. The UW Foundation engages those who care about the Paul Collins (’58 BBA Bus), co-chair of Create the Future: University of Wisconsin-Madison—its past, its present The Wisconsin Campaign, learned to appreciate music and, most important, its future. Create the Future: The from his mother, Adele Stoppenbach Collins (’29 Wisconsin Campaign invites all alumni and friends to BM L&S). join in creating the future of the university. Thanks to the School of Music fellowships For more information please call 608-263-4545. he established in her honor, musically gifted
The Wisconsin Campaign www.uwfoundation.wisc.edu www.uwfoundation.wisc.edu
WISCONSIN CAMPAIGN Non-Profit Organization insights U.S. Postage Paid University of Wisconsin Foundation Permit No 810 1848 University Avenue Madison, WI PO Box 8860 Madison WI 53708-8860